Ombudsman files raps vs. ex-DOH chief Garin, three others, over Dengvaxia

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed charges against former Department of Health (DOH) officials, including former Health Secretary Janette Garin, over the supposed unauthorized purchase of anti-Dengue vaccines known as Dengvaxia.

In the charge sheet dated October 24, government prosecutors alleged that Garin, former DOH Undersecretary Kenneth Go, former DOH Officer-in-Charge Director Maria Joyce Ducusin and former Executive Director Julius Lecciones of the state-run Philippine Children’s Medical Center “willfully, unlawfully and feloniously” caused the release of P3.57 billion of public funds to increase the budget for the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) but used the said funds for Dengvaxia purchase which is not part of the EPI.

Further, the Ombudsman alleged that Dengvaxia vaccines are not listed in Volume 1 of the Philippine National Drug Formulary, and have not secured an exemption from being listed in Philippine National Drug Formulary in violation of Executive Order No. 49, series of 1993, and related administrative orders and issuances.

“[These circumstances are] to the damage of public service [and are] contrary to law,” the criminal information read.

The Ombudsman recommended an P18,000 bail for each accused in the case.

Garin, meanwhile, said she sees the case as an opportunity to "finally put an end to the longstanding issue."

"As we maintain our clear conscience and readiness to face the issues that confront us, we are confident that our sound exercise of discretion, which is backed by hard science," said the former DOH chief in a statement.

"We firmly believe in the principles of justice and due process which our legal system upholds. With this, we fully trust that our innocence will be duly proven and the truth will come out in due time," added Garin.  —VAL, GMA Integrated News